Virgin Trains runs the East Coast services between Scotland and London

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Exclusive rail deals for football fans could be made available to Boro supporters - but only after a pilot scheme involving Newcastle and Sunderland.

Virgin Trains East Coast has launched a promotion offering discounted prices as well as free ticket exchanges if games are moved for TV.

The scheme, in conjunction with British Transport Police and the Football Supporters' Federation, offers fans of the North-east clubs 10% off advance ticket prices and a 25% reduction for groups when booking for between three and nine fans.

Hundreds of Boro fans use the East Coast mainline to get to games in London, but as it stands won't benefit from the deals made available to season ticket holders of their rivals.

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Video: Boro fans welcome the team at King's Cross before the Fulham game

Last season supporters who had bought advance tickets were caught out when the away game at Brentford in January was brought forward for Sky coverage.

Fans were faced with the same situation for the match at Norwich in April.

When contacted by The Gazette, John Gelson, a spokesman for Virgin Trains East Coast, said the firm would look to work with other clubs if the trial was successful.

He said: "We have developed a dedicated web page as a pilot initiative, which we are trialling in consultation with Newcastle United and Sunderland AFC supporters, with the support of the Football Supporters' Federation.

"Only season ticket holding supporters who are registered with the football clubs will be able to access specific discounts via this web page.

"We will naturally be fully evaluating the results of this trial and if successful, we will look to work with other football clubs to expand its benefits to more supporters."

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John Donovan, from Boro fans' group the Twe12th Man, hopes the offers are extended to fans of other clubs quickly.

He said: "Having been caught out by games being moved for TV in the past, at great expense, this idea seems to have the football supporter uppermost in its thoughts.

"If it can help towards bringing the overall cost of following your team down then great.

"Hopefully it can be extended to all fans and not just season ticket holders."